Maiden Australia (Various Artists) (1983):  Recording artists from Australia had been occasionally sneaking their way onto the music charts in the remainder of the English-speaking world for many years.  As an example, “Friday on My Mind” by the Easybeats was a worldwide hit in 1966 and fit right in with the British Invasion sounds, while having its own undeniable charms.  But rock bands from Australia really began to make their mark during the new wave era of the 1980’s, and this comparatively early compilation album provides songs by many mainstream rock bands in Australia.  The best-known band on this compilation album, Split Enz is actually from New Zealand.  This particular track, “Next Exit” was previously unreleased in the U.S.  I should have purchased a Split Enz album long before now, and I do have an album by Mental as Anything and also one by Renee Geyer, and several by Hunters and Collectors as they have become a favorite band of mine.  The Hunters and Collectors song, “Lumps of Lead” comes from their debut album Hunters and Collectors (1982) that was never released outside Australia.  I have heard of several of the other bands, though I am not really familiar with their music.